Navajo Woman Charged with Voluntary Manslaughter

A devastating crime has shaken the Navajo Nation. Bertha Damon, a 44-year-old enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, has pleaded guilty to a federal voluntary manslaughter charge in New Mexico.

According to court documents, Damon struck her 24-year husband with a piece of firewood on May 21, 2011, resulting in multiple blunt force trauma to the head. The victim, Damon’s husband, died as a result of the attack.

The incident occurred after a night of drinking, when Damon and her husband returned to their home and began arguing. The argument escalated, and Damon repeatedly struck her husband with the firewood.

The case was investigated by the Gallup office of the FBI, the Crownpoint office of the Navajo Nation Division of Public Safety, and the New Mexico State Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob A. Wishard is prosecuting the case.

Bertha Damon faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release at sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled. The Navajo Nation community is still reeling from the devastating crime.

As the investigation unfolds, Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on this developing story. Stay tuned for more information on this tragic incident.

RELATED: Violent Crime Wave Crushed in Southwest Missouri

RELATED: Ashburn Swindler Pleads Guilty

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Vaquerano-Figueroa's Web of Deceit Unravels in Texas Courtroom

Jul 1, 2009

Violent Crime

John Cranberry, Embezzlement, Virginia 2022

Jul 1, 1975

Violent Crime

Zavala De Guzman, Federal Criminal Case, Arizona, 2004

Jan 15, 2004

Violent Crime

United States v. Appleyard, Embezzlement, California 2023

Jul 1, 2014